Keef Hartley

[Nonfatman]

Here's something I never knew before, thanks to 'Doctor Flang' at the Steve Hoffman Tull Appreciation Forum.

According to the good doctor, Keef Hartley states in his autobiography that he filled in on drums for Tull for two weeks after the recording of This Was, due to Clive Bunker being on holiday.

Not surprisingly, he had bad things to say about Ian. Apparently, Ian tried to give him shit, talking down to him, etc., so he basically told Ian to stick it:

www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showpost.php?p=5258401&postcount=687

More on Keef Hartley at:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keef_Hartley

Thanks, Dr. Flang!

Jeff

P.S. I guess Keef was basically saying that Ian was 'a prick.'

[TM]

Looks like Keef wont be getting an invitation over to Col's house anytime soon.

[Ulla]

Mar 5, 2010 16:11:01 GMT -5 Nonfatman said:

Here's something I never knew before, thanks to 'Doctor Flang' at the Steve Hoffman Tull Appreciation Forum.

According to the good doctor, Keef Hartley states in his autobiography that he filled in on drums for Tull for two weeks after the recording of This Was, due to Clive Bunker being on holiday.

Not surprisingly, he had bad things to say about Ian. Apparently, Ian tried to give him shit, talking down to him, etc., so he basically told Ian to stick it:

The funny thing is: It is not true. The guy made this story up. Clive says that he met him several times as a drummer with some other local bands, but he never played with Tull. So says Mick Abrahams. Clive and Mick both had a good laugh about that story.

[Tullist]

Apr 9, 2010 10:27:53 GMT -5 Ulla said:

Mar 5, 2010 16:11:01 GMT -5 Nonfatman said:

Here's something I never knew before, thanks to 'Doctor Flang' at the Steve Hoffman Tull Appreciation Forum.

According to the good doctor, Keef Hartley states in his autobiography that he filled in on drums for Tull for two weeks after the recording of This Was, due to Clive Bunker being on holiday.

Not surprisingly, he had bad things to say about Ian. Apparently, Ian tried to give him shit, talking down to him, etc., so he basically told Ian to stick it:

The funny thing is: It is not true. The guy made this story up. Clive says that he met him several times as a drummer with some other local bands, but he never played with Tull. So says Mick Abrahams. Clive and Mick both had a good laugh about that story.

Just one man's opinion here, not doubting the validity of those who are contrary, but a part of me would love to see Ian sue his slanderous ass for libel, but my better angels say not, like Mick and Clive to the extent Ian gives a crap, doubt if he even knows about it, and likely would have a similar response to Clive and Mick.
Cannot help but be reminded of all the online jabbering about what mean old Ian had done to Andy and Jon, seems like they left very much of their own accord with no ill feelings, but after saying these things never heard Tull land say, o, we were wrong, the issue just died.
Or the big split which Ian is so regularly accused of being the instigator of. Anyone seen the interview with John Evan, probably the first guy I would like to have seen remain in the group. The interview where he's talking about how terribly bored he had become with the job? Is that someone you can really afford to keep on your team. And its my understanding that Barrie was leaving anyway, and if he no longer got along with Ian who who was not there can honestly say Ian was the culprit anymore than in most divorces that one party was the culprit. I still maintain that if Ian had followed the path much of his audience wanted him to, Tull would have ceased to exist decades ago. I mean this is the guy who has provided so much pleasure thru the years is it not, how about a bit of blues or sympathy for the headmaster at 62.

[Nonfatman]

Apr 9, 2010 10:27:53 GMT -5 Ulla said:

Mar 5, 2010 16:11:01 GMT -5 Nonfatman said:

Here's something I never knew before, thanks to 'Doctor Flang' at the Steve Hoffman Tull Appreciation Forum.

According to the good doctor, Keef Hartley states in his autobiography that he filled in on drums for Tull for two weeks after the recording of This Was, due to Clive Bunker being on holiday.

Not surprisingly, he had bad things to say about Ian. Apparently, Ian tried to give him shit, talking down to him, etc., so he basically told Ian to stick it:

The funny thing is: It is not true. The guy made this story up. Clive says that he met him several times as a drummer with some other local bands, but he never played with Tull. So says Mick Abrahams. Clive and Mick both had a good laugh about that story.

But why would Keef have made it up? That's what I don't understand. Since it was only a two week stint over 40 years ago, and only as a stand-in for rehearsals while Clive was away, is it possible Clive and Mick may have forgotten about this?

The Ammonite Records website also contains a reference to the story of Keef filling in for Clive briefly:

web.archive.org/web/20030917024305/www.ammoniterecords.demon.co.uk/KeefHartley/keith_hist.html

Referring to 1969, the webpage states:

"The year passed quickly with solid touring around the USA and Europe, often playing the same bill as other up and coming outfits, such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Yes. Keef was also to do a short stint as a temporary stand in drummer for Jethro Tull, who's own drummer refused to change his holiday plans!!."

Jeff

[Nonfatman]

Ray, there is probably a lot of truth to what you are saying here, i.e., the other side of the coin regarding the firings. There is a certain fairness and validity to presenting these events from what is likely to have been Ian's own perspective.

Still, the stories of him being a tyrant are so numerous (and we all have seen outbursts of his temper), that there's got to be some validity to that side as well. At the very least, you've got to admit that he hasn't always handled these situations very well. But, then again, anytime you are letting someone go, it has to be awkward.

Jeff

[Tullist]

Apr 9, 2010 12:18:53 GMT -5 Nonfatman said:

Ray, there is probably a lot of truth to what you are saying here, i.e., the other side of the coin regarding the firings. There is a certain fairness and validity to presenting these events from what is likely to have been Ian's own perspective.

Still, the stories of him being a tyrant are so numerous (and we all have seen outbursts of his temper), that there's got to be some validity to that side as well. At the very least, you've got to admit that he hasn't always handled these situations very well. But, then again, anytime you are letting someone go, it has to be awkward.

Jeff

I don't doubt the tales of tyranny, not speaking to others on tours, at least, I do give them creedence. I find that the fact IA has never spoken in his own defense to be admirable, and that he gave the ok to what could be seen as damning interview segments in that recent documentary, all I am saying is nobody who contributes on these boards really know the man, other than he is the prime instigator of all the four decades plus of pleasure. And finally he is, or seems to be, an uneasy fit in the party world of music, which might explain some of his seeming difficulties with Glen or maybe various Fairport members who are pretty much the opposite. I almost always like the man I see in interviews, admittedly I can think of ballplayers with bad reps where I rarely see it intheir interviews, Michael Irvin and Milton Bradley come to mind, if they are nuts, I don't think it is given away in interview terms.

[Deleted]

I know nothing about Keef Hartley, but here is my opinion. He is a liar. I suspect Ian wouldn't let the guy hang out with the band and Keef is all bent out of shape over it (still).

It reminds me of all the people who come up with various theories, stories, ect, on why Yoko Ono is evil. Get a life.